Italy’s power up against Zlatan test

Italy had last won their opening match at a European Championship in 2000 — when they went on to reach the final — and having started strongly, Antonio Conte’s side are being talked of as contenders once again. While Italy’s team is regarded as one of their weakest in years, they make up for their lack of star power with tactical nous, a flexibility of approach and an honest work ethic which proved too much for Belgium, who were beaten 2-0 in their opening Group E clash. 

This is in stark contrast to Sweden’s supposed one-man band, which relies on the undoubted pedigree of Ibrahimovic, his country’s all-time leading scorer. The tireless running of widemen Marco Parolo and Emanuele Giaccherini against Belgium typified Italy’s spirit of self sacrifice and seemed a world away from Ibrahimovic’s trademark shrugs when passes failed to find him in Sweden’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Ireland.

Turkey need captain Arda Turan to spring into action if they are to have a realistic chance of upsetting holders Spain in their Euro 2016 Group D match on Friday. Turan, off the pace and substituted after 65 minutes, was one of the most heavily criticised players when Turkey lost their opening match 1-0 to Croatia on Sunday, going down with barely a whimper. 

Spain have a 1-0 win over Czech Republic under their belts and it is hard to imagine any other scenario than the titleholders dominating possession and Turkey trying to snatch a goal on the break.